Apparatus for producing wrapper material with tear tape sections



C. S. STEPHANO APPARATUS FOR PRODUCING WRAPPER MATERIAL Aug. 10, 1948.

. WITH TEAR TAPE SECTIONS Filed Nov. 29, 1946 9 Sheets-Sheet l 1948- c. s. STEPHANO 2,446,518

' APPARATUS FOR PRODUCING WRAPPER MATERIAL WITH TEAR TAPE SECTIONS Filed Nov. 29, 1946 9 Sheets-Sheet 2 aim Aug. 10, 1948. c. s. STEPHANO 2,446,618

' APPARATUS FOR PRODUCING WRAPPER MATERIAL WITH TEAR TAPE SECTIONS Filed Nov. 29, 1946 v 9 Sheets-Sheet s Aug. 10, 19 8- c. S. STEPHANO 2,446,618

APPARATUS FOR WRAPPER MATERIAL PRODUCING I WITH TEAR TAPE SECTIONS Filed Nov. 29, 1946 9 Sheets-Sheet 4 Hlllll IIIHIIHIHHHIII Aug. 10, 194 c. s. STEPHANO APPARATUS FOR PRODUCING WRAPPER MATERIAL WITH TEAR TAPE SECTIONS 9 Sheets$heet 5 Filed Nov. 29, 1946 Aug. 10, 1948. c s, STEPHANO -2,446,618 APPARATUS FOR PRODUCING WRAPPER MATERIAL WITH TEAR TAPE SECTIONS Filed Nov.v 29, 1946 9 SheetsSheet 6 Aug. 10, 1948. Q s STEPHANO 2,446,618

APPARATUS FOR PRODUCING WRAPPER MATERIAL WITH TEAR TAPE SECTIONS Filed Nov. 29, 1946 9 Sheets-Sheet 7 Aug. 10, 1948. c. S. STEPHANO APPARATUS FOR PRODUCING WRAPPER MATERIAL WITH TEAR TAPE SECTIONS Filed Nov. 29, 1946 9 Sheets-Sheet 8 Aug. 10, 1948. c, s, STEPHANO 2,446,618

APPARATUS FOR PRODUCING WRAPPER MATERIAL WITH TEAR TAPE SECTIONS 9 Sheets-Sheet 9 Filed Nov. 29, 1946 Patented Aug. 10, 1948 APPARATUS FOR PRODUCING WRAPPER MATERIAL WITH TEAR TAPE SECTIONS Constantine S. Stephano, Elkins Park, Pa., as-

signor to Stephano Brothers, Philadelphia, Pa., a corporation of Pennsylvania Application November 29, 1946, Serial No. 712,956

10 Claims. (01. 931) This invention relates to new and useful improvements in methods and apparatus for producing wrapped articles. More particularly, the invention relates to a novel method and apparatus for producing individually wrapped cigarettes.

It is well-known to smokers of cigarettes that once the conventional package of cigarettes is opened the tobacco in the cigarettes becomes dry in a relatively short time with resulting deterioration in the smoking qualities of the cigarette. In addition to this, it has not been possible heretofore to vend cigarettes individually, for example, in coin operated machines in railroad terminals, restaurants, and other public places of a similar nature, due to the fact that there has been no provision available for protecting the individual cigarettes from the deleterious effects of the surrounding atmosphere or air.

With the foregoing in mind, one object of the present invention is to provide a novel method and apparatus for producing articles of merchandise comprising a single cigarette having an hermetically sealed moisture-proof wrapper thereabout.

Another object of the invention is to provide a novel method and apparatus for producing articles of merchandise comprising a single cigarette having a thermally sealed moisture-proof wrapper thereabout together with means for opening the wrap-per to permit access to the cigarette.

Another object of the invention is to provide a novel method and apparatus for providing individual cigarettes with a wrapper which effectively seals the cigarette from the surrounding atmosphone and thereby preserves the initial good smoking qualities of the cigarette until the wrapper is opened to remove the cigarette for smoking purposes.

Still a further object of the invention is to provide a novel method and apparatus for producing an individually wrapped cigarette as described which is neat and compact and which may be packaged in the same machines as cigarettes devoid of such wrappers without adjusting such machines.

These and other objects of the invention and the various features and details of the construction and manufacture thereof are hereinafter fully set forth and described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Fig. l is a View in perspective showing an individually wrapped cigarette embodying the present invention.

Fig. 2 is a view similar to Fig. 1 showing the,

2 wrapped cigarette after the tear strip portion thereof has been removed by pulling upon the tear tape.

Fig. 3 is a view similar to Figs. 1 and 2 showing the upper severed section of the wrapper being removed.

Fig. 4 is a view similar to Figs. 1, 2 and 3 showing the smoker removing the cigarette from the lower severed section of the wrapper.

Figs. 5A, 5B and 5C, respectively, are diagrammatic views in perspective of successive portions of an apparatus according to the present invention which is operable to produce the article of merchandise shown. in Figs. 1 to 4 of the drawings.

Fig. 6 is an enlarged fragmentary view in perspective taken on lines 6-6, Fig. 5A.

Fig. 7 is a fragmentary perspective view taken on line 1-1, Fig. 6.

Fig. 8 is an enlarged fragmentary view in section of the portion of Fig. '7 bounded by dot and dash lines.

Fig. 9 is an enlarged fragmentary view in perspective showing a portion of the continuous wrapper web with the tear tapes secured in position thereon.

Fig. 10 is an enlarged fragmentary sectional view taken on line l0--I0, Fig. 5A.

Fig. 11 is an enlarged fragmentary sectional view taken on line I|-l I, Fig. 5A.

Fig. 12 is an enlarged sectional view taken on line |2--I2, Fig. 5A.

Fig. 13 is an enlarged fragmentary perspective view partially in section of the portion of the apparatus embraced within the bracket designated by the letter X in Fig. 53.

Fig. 14 is a sectional view taken on line I l-l4, Fig. 13.

Fig. 15 is a partial sectional view taken on line |5l5, Fig. 53.

Fig. 16 is an enlarged sectional view taken on line l6-I6, Fig. 513.

Fig. 17 is an enlarged sectional View taken on time l1-l|, Fig. 53.

Fig. 18 is an enlarged sectional view taken on line 18-48, Fi 53.

Fig. 19 is an enlarged sectional view taken on line l9l'9, Fig. 53.

Fig. 20 is an enlarged perspective vie-w of a section of the tubular wrapper and cigarette construction after sealing of the longitudinal wrapper seam and prior to the cutting of the continuous tube into successive sections each containing a single cigarette.

Fig. 25 is an enlarged transverse sectional view taken on line 25-25, Fig. 23. i

Fig. 26 is a view in perspective of the novel article of merchandise contemplated by the present invention; and

Fig. 27 is an enlarged end view of the article shown in Fig. 26.

Referring now to the drawings, and more particularly to Figs. 1 to 4 thereof, there is illustrated an article of merchandise which comprises an individual or single cigarette or like article I pro- .vided withia wrapper 2 thereabout that is composed of moisture-proof Cellophane or similar flexible material having associated therewith a tear tape or the like 3 which may be used for opening the wrapper preparatory to removing the same.

As shown in the drawings, the tear tape 3 is arranged circumferentially of the cigarette l internally of the wrapper 2 to which it is secured, for example, by heat sealing, and an end portion of the tape 3 extends or projects freely outwardly from the. lapped longitudinal edge portions of the wrapper so that, it may readily be grasped by the fingers of a person desiring to open the wrapper. To facilitate tearing of the wrapper 2 by means of the tear tape 3 the wrapper is provided With relatively short slits or cuts 4 in the exposed longitudinal edge thereof adjacent opposite sides of the tear tape 3. V

The wrapper 2 is of cylindrical cross-section shape and snugly embraces the cigarette I. The lapped longitudinal edges of the wrapper2 are sealed together, preferably by heat sealing, to provide an air-tight seam 5 lengthwise of the wrapper 2, and the end portions of the wrapper 2 are tucked and folded over the ends of. the cigarette as at6 and likewise sealed to provide a completely moistureand cigarette I. y, I 7

Opening of the wrapper 2 to obtain access to the cigarette I may be accomplished as shown in Figs. 1 to 4 of the drawing, for example, by holding the wrapped cigarette in the fingers of one hand, grasping the free end of the tear tape 3 I with'the fingers of the otherhand and drawing it in a direction circumferentially of the cigarette counterclockwise .with respect to Figs. 1 and 2. Drawing the tear tape 3 in this manner operates to sever a strip from the wrapper 2 circumferentially of the cigarette substantially midway between the ends thereof so that the Wrapper 2 is divided into sections as shown in Fig. 2 which may be removed readily and easily from opposite ends of the cigarette in the manner shown, for example, in Figs. 3 and 4 of the drawings.

air-tight enclosure for the fed from a supply roll I l which is suitably morunted upon a supporting shaft l2. The width of the web l0 transversely thereof is such as to permit it to be wrapped circumferentially about a cigarette or similar article with sufficient overlap at its edges to provide a longitudinal seam which may be sealed against the penetration of moisture and air. Preferably the web I0 is composed of moisture-proof Cellophane or other similar transparent material having thermoplastic or heat-sealing properties. From the rolll I the Web In passes about rolls l3 and HI, and then passes about aroll l5 into contact with the peripheral surface of a drum l6 "which is fixed on a shaft I1 and rotationally'driven at a pre-selected speed in the clockwise direction by a gear I8.

, Simultaneouslywith the feed of the web I i], a narrow tape i9 is fed continuously from a roll 20 over .a support 2| arranged transversely of the course of travel of the web I3 and thence onto a .drum 22 against which said tape :is initially urged by meansof a pressure wheel 23 having a rubber or other resilient periphery 24. Preferably the tape 19 is composed of Cellophane or similar material and it is generally desirable that it be of a contrasting color to the web l0.

As shown in Fig. 6 of the drawings, the drum 22 has a hollow internal chamber 25therein and communicating from this chamber outwardly to the periphery. of said drum is a plurality of radial ports or passages 26 arranged circumferentially of the drum. Connected to the internal chamber 25 of the drum 22 through an opening 21 is a suction line which operates through'the chamber 25 and radial passages 26 to retain the narrow tape 19 against the periphery of the drum 22 as it rotates in the counterclockwise direction with respect to Figs. 5A and 6. In order to properly locate the narrow tape 19 upon the drum with reference to the ports or passages 26 therein the eriphery of the drum 22 preferably is provided V with a circumferential groove, for example, as

The novel article of merchandise just described 1 comprising a single cigarette contained within a v moisture-proof wrapper provided with a tear tape for opening the same may be produced, for example, as diagrammatically illustrated in Figs. 5A, 5B and.5C of the drawings. Thus, in accordance with the present invention and referring toFig.

5A of the drawings, a continuous strip or web IU of material having moisture-proof properties is indicated at 29 in Fig. 8. The drum "is mounted ona shaft 22a and driven intimed relation to the speed of travel of the web l0. r

Associated with the drum 22 is a cutting mechanism 3| which is rotationally driven in timed relation to the drum-22 by'agear 32 which is meshed with a gear 30 on drum shaft 22a. The cutting mechanism 3| is provided with hardened steel cutting'elements 33 arranged to cooperate with hardened steel inserts 34 disposed transversely in the peripheral surface of the drum 22 to sever the narrow tape l9 thereon intosuccessivetape sections of predetermined equal length( In this connection it is to be noted that the radial ports or passages 26 in the drum 22 are arranged circumferentially thereof in groups of four alternately with the hardened steel inserts 34 'sothat there is thus presented to each successive section cut from-the tape l9 a plurality of suction passages 26 for holding each section against the drum 22 as counterclockwise rotation thereof continues.

It is to be noted with reference to Fig. 6 of the drawings that the inner openings of'the ports or passages 26 in the drum 22 are closed at their the suction and thereby release the severed sections of the narrow tape l9 from the drum 22 as said out tape sections are moved successively into position for transfer to an underlying transfer cylinder 36.

With reference to Fig. 7 of the drawings there is formed in the transfer cylinder 36 an internal chamber 31 from which an aligned series of ports 38 communicate radially outward and are arranged to underlie the cut sections of the tape I9 that are brought into position by the drum 22 for transfer to the cylinder 36. In this connection and with reference to Fig. 8, it is to be noted that the cylinder 36 is provided with a longitudinally extending shoulder 36a of relatively shallow depth which performs the dual function of picking the tear tape sections from the drum 22 durin the transfer operation and of accurately aligning the said sections axially of the cylinder 36 in overlying relation with respect to the suction ports 38. A suction line 39 is connected to the chamber 3'! and this suction force is utilized to retain the cut tape sections in position upon the transfer cylinder 35 during transfer movement of the latter. The transfer cylinder 36 is rotationally journaled in a bearing 40 and is driven in timed relation to the drum [6 by means of a gear 4! which is meshed with the gear l8 on the shaft I! of said drum l6.

Referring to Fig. 7 of the drawings, the drum I6 is hollow and rotates about an internal housing 42 that forms, in conjunction with the inner surface of the drum IS, a suction chamber 43 of relatively small arcuate length with respect to the over-all circumference of the drum l6.

Formed transversely in the drum it are groups of a plurality of ports or passages 44 which are arranged circumferentially of the drum 16 at spaced intervals equal to the circumference of the transfer cylinder 36 so that the series of ports 38 in the latter will register with a succeeding group of passages 44 in the drum l6 during cam revolution of the said transfer cylinder 36. Connected to the suction chamber 43 througha suitable opening 43a is a suction line 45.

The sections cut from the tape l9 constitute the tear tapes 3 of the previously described individually wrapped cigarettes and the construction, arrangement and operation of the drum 22, transfer cylinder 36 and drum I8 is such that the successive tear tapes 3 will be transferred by the cylinder 36 from the drum 22 to the periphcry of the drum H3 in overlying relation with respect to each successive group of the ports or passages 44 therein so that said tear tapes 3 will be held accurately in position transversely upon the drum 15 by the suction force created internally of the chamber 43.

Held upon the drum I3 in the described positions the tear tapes 3 are carried by the drum 16 into underlyin association with the continuously advancing web 50. In this connection it is to be noted that the tear tapes 3 have a length somewhat greater than the width of the continuous web It) so that one end portion of the tear tapes 3 projects or extends freely beyond one lateral edge Illa of the web IQ, for example, as indicated in Fig. 6.

As clockwise rotation of the drum It continues carrying with it the continuous web H] andassociated tear tapes 3, the said tear tapes 3 are secured to the web I t by means of a suitable heatsealing mechanism at having diametrically spaced apart heater elements 45a adapted successively to engage the continuous web l0 transversely thereof in accurate registry with the underlying transverse tear tapes 3. The heating mechanism 46 is fixed upon a shaft 41 that is rotatably driven by means of a gear 48 from a gear 49 driven from the main drive of the machine. An electric cur-rent is supplied to the resistance coils 50 of the heater elements 46a from contact rings 52 by means of conductors 5|, the said rings 52 being rotatable with shaft 4-! and engaging a pair of fixed resilient contacts 53.

Continued rotation .of the drum l6 withthe Web ID and associated sealing tapes 3 advances the Web ID for engagement by a suitable cutting mechanism 54 having diametrically arranged pairs of cuttin elements 54a that operate to produce the relatively short tear slits or cuts 4 inwardly of the edge Illa of the web Ill at opposite sides of each transverse tear tape 3 as shown in Fig. 9 of the drawings. .As in the case of the heat sealing mechanism 46, the cutting mechanism 54 is rotatably driven in predetermined timed relation with respect to the drum I6.

Soon after leaving the cutting mechanism 54 the web l0 and associated tear tapes 3 leaves the drum l6, passing about a roll 55 and pursues a horizontal course of travel upon a support or platform 56 against which it is retained by one 01' more rolls 51, 51a.

As the web I 0 passes about the roll 51a it leaves the support 56 and travels upwardly about a roll 58 and then into overlying contact with a continuous belt 60 in the relation shown in Fig. 11 just after the belt leaves a roll '6! and prior toentering the horn portionfi2 of a web former 63, which operates in the manner hereinafter described to form the web It] into a tube circumferentially about a series or succession of aligned equally spaced cigarettes l.

The belt 60 and Web ID traverse the forepart 0f the former (horn portion 62) beneath the outlet end portion of a guide tube 54 (see Figs. 12 and 13) through which the cigarettes l are conveyed from a feed point by means of an endless chain 65 havin projecting dogs 65 thereon at predetermined equally spaced intervals which are adapted to engage behind a cigarette and advance the same from the feed point through the tube 64 to the web former 62.

As shown in Fig. 10 of the drawings, the cigarettes I are fed by gravity singly from an inclined stack 6'! thereof to a trough or the like 68 arranged beneath the chain 35 and positioned so that successive cigarettes deposited in the trough are engaged by the dogs 66 on the chain 65 which is driven at the speed of travel of the web It. The chain 65 is suitably mounted upon a plurality of sprockets or the like 89 at. least one of which may be driven by a gear in from a gear H associated with the main drive mechanism of the machine.

With reference more particularly to Fig. 13 of the drawing, it is to be noted that the passage through the horn portion 62 of the former 63 is of relatively shallow U-shape in cross-section at the point where the belt and web enter the same and from that point the crosssectional shape of the horn changes gradually from said shallow U-shape to a substantially circular cross-sectional shape which forms the web It] and belt 60 into generally cylindrical tubular cross-section shape snugly surrounding or embracing the cigarettes I, for example, as shown in Fig. 14 of the drawings.

It is to be noted that the outlet end of the tube 34 terminates a short distance inwardly of the same web former horn 62 so that the cigarettes I leave the said tube 64 prior to entering the substantially circular portion of the former 63. Also, it is to be noted that the dogs 66 of the chain 65 remain in engagement with the rearward end; of the cigarettes l for a short period after they emerge from the tube 64 and until the forward or leading end of each cigarette has just entered the substantially circular or tubular portion of the former 63, for example, at the section line I4, I4 in Fig. 13. At this time the dogs 66 of the chain 35 move out of engagement with the rearward end of thecigarettes and, the latter and the surround: ing tubular web I9 are carried the'remainder of the distance through the former 63 by means of the encircling belt 60. g

Passage of the cigarettes in aligned space relation with the surrounding tubular web If] and embracing beltfiil through the remainder of the former 63 takes place in the manner shown in Figs; 16 to '18 of the drawings and it is to be noted that in the portion of the former 63 between the stations where Figs. and 16 are taken,'the inner or underlying surface of. the free edge portion of the tubular Web ID receives an application of a suitable thermoplastic adhesive from a wheel 12 which in turn receives adhesive from a suitable feed or supply wheel I3.

Upon leaving the former 63 the tubular web II] containing the cigarettes I spaced intervals therein is gradually released from the grip of the belt 60 as the Web and cigarettes are conveyed by the latter and an overlying continuous belt 14 beneath an elongated electric heating element 15 which operates to set the thermoplastic adhesive'applied by the applicator wheel 12 and thereby provide acontinuous hermetic seal between the lapped edge portions of the tubular web I8 surrounding the cigarettes.

The belt I l is mounted on space-d pulleys or the like It, and driven at the speed of linear travel of the web I!) from the main drive of the machine. As the tubular web I9 containing the cigarettes nears the end of its passage beneath the heater 75 the belt 60 moves out of supporting contact beneath the web I G and proceeds on its course about a wheel l1 and rolls T8 and T9 to the roll BI where it again enters the web former B3. After the lapped longitudinal edges of the tubular Web ID are heat-sealed as described by passage beneath the heating element 15, the tubular Web and cigarettes therein embody the construction and arrangement shown in Figs. and 21 of the drawings. As there shown, the web I0 is in continuous tubular form of substantially circular cross-sectional shape enclosing the cigaat predetermined L rette I of shorter length than the tube sections so that the ends of the latter project substantially the same distance beyond opposite ends of the said cigarettes, for example, as shown in Fig.22 of the drawings.

7 When out from the continuous tube, these individual tube sections are conveyed by relatively opposed endless belts 8.2 and 83 and discharged thereby into the successive channels or passages 84 of a conventional type speed-reducing cone 85. The cone 85 is rotationally driven in the direction indicated by the arrows in Fig. by means of a gear '86 which is meshed with a gear 81 that is driven from the main drive of the machine and thespeed of rotation of the said cone 85 is such that succeeding passages 84 therein arepresented to receive the successive individual cigarette tube'section's cut from the continuous tubular web I0. v v v V I v I The individual cigarette tube sections entering the passages 84 of the cone85 are conveyed by rotation of the latter through substantially .360 during the course of which they are conducted toward the apex of the cone 85 for discharge by gravity through an opening at the undersidejof the cone ontoa pair of laterally spaced endless chains 88, 89 provided with suitable recesses 90 to receive the successive individual cigarette tube sections as they discharge from the conev 85,. The chains 88, '89 are mounted upon suitable sprock ets SI, 92 driven in predetermined timed relation with respect to the other component mechanisms 'of the machine, and. deposit the successive individual cigarette tube sections in the order received from the cone 85 upon a platform or support 93. During travel of the individual cigarette tube sections upon the chains 88, 89 from the cone 85 to the platform 93, a wheel 95 having radial teeth 96 engages the outwardly facing ends of the cigarettes I and moves them inwardly of their tube sections thereby properly aligning the 7 said cigarettes so that the free ends of the tube rettes I disposed therein in predetermined equally 1 Spaced relation and with the tear tapes 3 extending circumferentially of the cigarettes I internally of the web Ill with the end portions of said tapes 3 projecting outwardly through the web longitudinal seam'between the pairs of tear slits or cuts 4 in the overlapping edge of the tubular Web II].

From the heat sealing element I5 the continuous tubular web IO and cigarettes I arranged therein as described continue their travel through the machine to a cut-off mechanism of conventional type comprising a 'rotarycutting element 89 which is driven and brought into engagement with the traveling tubular web III at predetermined equal intervals timed to sever the continuous web midway of the space provided between adjacent ends of successive cigarettes. Thus there is severedfrom the continuous tubular web I0 successive tube sections each containing a single cigasections project an equal distance from opposite ends of the cigarettes. This aligning and centering operation performed by the wheel 95 is made necessary by reason of the fact that as the cigarettetube sections slide through the speed reducing cone andrimpact against the apex end thereof the cigarettes I are caused to slide forwardly within their surroundin tube sections thus making it necessary to re-center the cigarettes with respect to the ends of their tube sections. The wheel may be driven by a chain 91 driven from one or the other of a pair of sprocket wheels 98, 99.

After being deposited upon the platform 93 by the chains 88, 89 as described, the cigarette tube sections are caused to be rolled successively along' with rounded teeth or fingers I95, I96 and I0! defining rounded notches or grooves I98, I09 and II 0 therebetween, the edge III defining the rear of the notch I I0 being bent slightly outwardly.

VThus, as the ends of the rotary tubes engage the round tooth I05 of the members I94 a portion of the tube is folded inwardly as shown in Fig. 24 and the edge of the remaining portion rolls into the notch I08 while another fold is made by the tooth I06. As the open portion of the tube end rolls into the notch I09 and engages the tooth I01, a third fold is made, and the fourth and final fold is made as the last portion of the tube end is enclosed in the notch H against the edge ill as shown also in Fig. 24 thus forming a complete fold. With their ends folded as described the tube sections pass between laterally spaced heaters H3 and l M which heat the folded end portions of the tube to seal the same thereby completing the provision of an airand moistureproof wrapper about each individual cigarette.

From the foregoing description, it will be apparent that the present invention provides a novel method and apparatus for producing novel articles of merchandise comprising a single cigarette or the like having an hermetically sealed moisture-proof wrapper thereabout and provided with tear tape means and slits for opening the wrapper to remove the cigarette. The cigarette thus is protectively sealed from the surrounding atmosphere and the initial good smoking qualities of the cigarette will be preserved until the wrapper is opened.

While particular embodiments of the present invention have been illustrated and described herein, it is not intended that the invention be limited to such disclosures, and, therefore, changes and modifications may be made therein and thereto within the scope of the following claims.

I claim:

1. In apparatus for individually wrapping articles, a member to support and advance a continuous web of sheet material at a predetermined speed, a second member arranged to support and advance a continuous narrow tape in timed relation to said web, cutting mechanism operable to sever successive tape sections of predetermined length from said tape, means to retain said tape and severed tape sections on said second men ber, transfer means operable between said members constructed and operable to transfer successive tape sections from the second member to the first member at predetermined equally spaced intervals thereon, means to retain said tape sections on said transfer means during transfer of said tape sections, and means to retain said. tape sections in said equally spaced positions on.

the first member at least until said tape sections are brought into underlying association with the continuous web advanced thereby.

2. In apparatus for individually wrapping articles, a member to support and advance a continuous web of sheet material at a predetermined speed, a second member arranged to support and advance a continuous narrow tape in timed relation to said web, cutting mechanism operable to sever successive tape sections of predetermined length from said tape, means to retain said tape and severed tape sections on said second member,

transfer means operable between said members constructed and operable to transfer successive tape sections from the second member to the first member at predetermined equally spaced intervals thereon, means to retain said tape sections on said transfer means during transfer of said tape sections, means to retain said tape section in said equally spaced positions on the first member at least until said tape sections are brought into underlying association with the continuous web advanced thereby, and means for securing together said web and successive tape sections.

3. Apparatus as claimed in claim 2 wherein 10 cutting means is associated with the first mem-- ber and cooperates with the web to form short slits inwardly of one side edge of the web adjacent opposite sides of the tape sections secured thereto.

4. In apparatus for individually wrapping articles, a rotating drum arranged to receive circumferentially thereof a continuous web of sheet material andadvance the same at a predetermined speed, a second rotating drum arranged to receive a continuous narrow tape and advance the same in timed relation to said web, cutting mechanism operable to sever successive tape sections of predetermined length from said tape, transfer means operable between said first and second drums in timed relation therewith and arranged to receive successive tape sections from said second drum and deposit the same in positions transversely upon the first drum at predetermined equally spaced intervals circumferentially' thereof for travel therewith into underlying association with said continuous web.

5. In apparatus for individually wrapping articles, a rotating drum arranged to receive circumferentially'thereof a continuous web of sheet material and advance the same at a predetermined speed, a second rotating drum arranged to receive a continuous narrow tape and advance the same in timed relation to said web, cutting mechanism operable to sever successive tape sections of predetermined length from said tape, transfer means operable between said first and second drums in timed relation therewith and arranged to receive successive tape sections from said second drum and deposit the same in posi\-' tions transversely upon the first drum at predetermined equally spaced intervals circumferentially thereof for travel therewith into underlying association with said continuous web, and means to secure together said web and successive tape sections.

6'. In apparatus for individually wrapping articles, a rotating drum arranged to receive circumferentially thereof a continuous web of sheetmaterial and advance the same at a predetermined speed, a second rotating drum arranged to receive a continuous narrow tape and advance the same in timed relation to said web, cutting mechanism operable to sever successive tape sections of predetermined length from said tape, means. to retain said tape and severed tape sections on said second drum for a predetermined portion of a revolution thereof, transfer means operable between said first and seconddrums in timed relation therewith and arranged to receive successive tape sections from said second drum-- and. depositv the same in positions transversely upon the first drum at predetermined equally spaced intervalscircumferentially thereof, means to retain said tape sections on said transfer means during transfer of said tape sections, and means to retain said tape sections in said equally spaced transverse positions on said drum for travel therewith into underlying association with said continuous web.

7. In apparatus for individually wrapping articles, a rotating drum arranged to receive circumferentially thereof a, continuous web of sheet material and advance the same at a predetermined speed, a second rotating drum arranged to receive a continuous narrow tape and advance the same in timed relation to said web, cutting mechanism operable to sever successive tape sections of predetermined length from said tape, means to retain said tape and severed tape secll tions on said second drum for a predetermined portion of a revolution thereof, transfer means operabl between said first and second drums in timed relation therewith and arranged to; receive successive tape sections from said second drum and deposit the same in positions transversely upon the first drum at predetermined equally spaced intervals circumferenti-ally thereof, means to retain said tape sections on said transfer means during transfer of said tapesections, means .to retain saidtape sections in said equally spaced transverse positions on said drum for travel therewith into underlying association with said continuous web, sealing means operable to secure together said web and successive tape sec-H tions, and cutting means associated with said first drum and cooperable with said web to form short slits inwardly of one side edge of the web adjacent opposite sides of the tape'sections secured thereto. I

8. In apparatus for individually wrapping articles, a rotating drum arranged to receive circumferentially thereof a continuous web of sheet material and advance the same at a predetermined speed, a second rotating drum arranged to receive a continuous narrow tape and advance the same in timed relation to saidweb, cutting mechanism'operable to sever successive tape sections, of predetermined length from said tape,.means providing a suction force internally of said second drum operable through radial passages therein to retain said tape and severed tape sections on said second drum for a predetermined portion of a revolution thereof, transfer .mea'ns'operable between said first and second drums. in timed relation therewith and arranged to receive successive tape'sections from said second drum and deposit the same in positions transversely upon the first drum at predetermined equally spacedintervals circum-ferentially thereof, means providing a sue tion force internally of said transfer means operable through ports therein to retain said tape sections on said transfer means during transfer of said tape sections, and means providing a suction chamber internally of the first drum, op

erable through suction ports therein arranged in underlyingrelation to the tape sections deposited thereon to retain said tape sections in said equally spaced transverse positions on said drum for traveltherewith into underlying association with said continuous web. 7

9. In apparatus for individually wrappin articles, a rotating drum arranged'to receive circumferentially thereof a continuous web of sheet material and advance the same at a predetermined speed, a second rotating drum arranged to receive a continuous narrow tape and advance the same in timed relation to'said web, cutting mechanism operable to sever successive tape sections of predetermined length from said tape, means providing a suction force internally of said second drum'operable through radial pasiieia i sages therein to retain said tape and severed tape sections on said second drum for a predetermined portion of a revolution thereof, transfer'means operable between said first and second drums in timed relation therewith and arranged to receive 12 successive tape sections'from said second'druni and deposit the same in pos'itions'transversely upon the first drum at predetermined equally spaced intervals circumferentially thereoim'eans providing a suction force internally of .said trans: fer' means operable through ports therein to re-, tain said tape sections on said transfer'means during transfer of said tape sections, means providinga suction chamber internally of thefirst drum operable through suction ports therein arranged in underlying relation to the tape sections deposited thereon to retain'said tape .sections in said equally spaced transverse positions onsaid drum for travel therewith into underlying association with said continuous web and sealing means operable to seal together said web and successive tape sections.

10.]In apparatus for individually wrappingarticles, a rotating drum arranged to'receive circumferentially thereof a continuous webof sheet material and advance the same .at a predetermined speed, a second rotating drum arranged to receive a continuous narrow tape and advance the same in timed relation to said ,Web, cutting mechanism operable to sever successive tape secupon the first drum at predetermined equally spaced intervals circumferentially thereof, means providing a suction force internally of said transfer means operable through ports therein to retain said tape sections on said transfermeans during trans-fer of'said tape sections, means providing a suction chamber internally of the first drum operable through suction ports therein arranged in underlying relation to the tape sections deposited thereon to retain said tape sections in said equally spaced transverse positions on said'druin for travel therewith into underlying association with said continuous Web, sealing means operable to seal together said web and successive tape sections, and cutting means associated with said first drum and cooperablewith said Web to'form short slits inwardly of one side edge of the web adjacent opposite sides of the-tape sections secured thereto. I

" CONSTANTINE S. STEPHANO'.

7 REFERENCES CITED The following references are of record in the fileof this patent: V

UNITED STATES PATENTS Number Name 7 V Date 2,113,078 Campbell Apr. 5, 1938 2,190,189 Neumair' Feb. 13, 1940 2,276,745 Smith Mar. 17, 1942 2,334,029 Ranney et al. Nov. 9, 1 943 2,334,030 Ranney et al Nov. 9, 1943 

